News Releases

Cook County Reminds Residents to Spring Forward Safely

It’s one of the simplest and least expensive things people can do around their home and it could save lives. As residents set clocks forward one hour this weekend, Cook County’s Department of Homeland Security and Emergency Management (DHSEM) urges everyone to change the batteries in smoke detectors and check to ensure they are in good working order.

Most Americans have at least one smoke detector in their home, but in 20 percent of those homes the smoke detectors don’t work, according to data collected by the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA).

The National Weather Service has issued a flood watch for Cook and surrounding counties. The Cook County Department of Homeland Security and Emergency Management (DHSEM) offers the following tips to keep your family and property safe:

Winter Weather Survival Kits for Your Car Important for Short Trips Too

Even a short drive can turn into a dangerous one, especially during severe weather. The Cook County Department of Homeland Security and Emergency Management (DHSEM) advises residents to take extra precautions when driving during storms and to also keep an emergency kit in each of their vehicles in case they break down or get stuck during a storm.

More than 1,900 officers from 30 suburban Cook County police departments, Cook County Sheriff's Department and Cook County Forest Preserve Police will soon be equipped to administer Narcan® when they encounter someone overdosing from opioids, thanks to a collaboration between Loyola Medicine and the Cook County Department of Homeland Security and Emergency Management.

Even a short drive can turn into a dangerous one, especially during severe weather. The Cook County Department of Homeland Security and Emergency Management (DHSEM) advises residents to take extra precautions when driving during storms and to also keep an emergency kit in each of their vehicles in case they break down or get stuck during a storm.

Every year, families are devasted by residential fires. As you set your clocks back one hour this weekend, please take a minute to do two simple things that can potentially save lives: change the batteries in the smoke detectors in your home and check to make sure that they are in good working order. If you don’t have smoke detectors, please go out and purchase them. They are a cost effective way to keep your family safe.

WHAT: Cook County’s Department of Homeland Security and Emergency Management (DHSEM) is partnering with government agencies, nonprofits and private sector organizations to ensure residents have the information they need to stay safe in an emergency – whether manmade or natural. As part of National Preparedness Month, DHSEM is hosting a preparedness fair at Daley Plaza.

Cook County Board President Toni Preckwinkle today announced the appointment of William M. Barnes Jr. as Executive Director of the County’s Department of Homeland Security and Emergency Management (DHSEM).

Barnes has a lengthy background as a manager, administrator and attorney in private practice. Most recently he was General Counsel at the Illinois Department of Transportation. He served in a similar capacity with the Illinois Department of Corrections and the Office of the State Fire Marshal.

Chicago – Images from the aftereffects of Hurricane Harvey are an important reminder of just how crucial preparedness is during an emergency. The start of September marks the beginning of National Preparedness Month, a nationwide initiative developed by the Federal Emergency Management Agency, urging Americans to prepare for any emergency. The theme of this year’s preparedness month is: “Disasters don’t plan ahead, YOU CAN.”